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The "metal" in electric wire is called the conductor. Many materials are used to transmit electrical energy, but those most frequently used are copper, copper-covered steel, high strength copper alloys, and aluminum. For more unusual applications, conductors are fabricated from pure nickel (high temperature applications), pure silver, copper-covered aluminum, and a host of metals, metal alloys, and metal combinations. The most common found in everyday wire is copper which is available in stranded or solid configurations.

High strength alloys - Though more expensive than copper-covered steel wires, copper alloy conductors are specified because they permit significant size and/or weight reductions especially important in computer and aerospace applications. They offer high breaking strength and greater flex life with only a small increase in DC resistance.

To find out more about conductors and view a comparison chart you can visit my blog on my profile.

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Q: What metal is used to make electric wires and why?
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Why metal is used in electric wires?

The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.


What is a wire used for in electric?

Wires are used as electricity conductors.


What metal conducts electricity well and is used for wires and pipes?

Copper is the main metal used for this purpose.


What kind and type wire can be used to wire an electric cook stove?

The wires must first be heat resistant. For that the best wires that can be used are wires made up of superconductors.


Why can transition metals be used to make electrical wires?

Their high conductivity is why transition metals are used to make electrical wires.

Related questions

What is the metal used for electric wire?

Copper and aluminum used for electric wires


Which metal is used in electric wires commonly at home and why?

Copper Metal is used because it is good conductor of electricity


Why metal is used in electric wires?

The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.


What metal is usually used to make a electric wire?

Copper


Why is silver not used for making wires?

Even though silver is the best conductor of electricity, it is extremely expensive. Thus silver is not used to make electical wires. Silver is also very soft to be used as electric wires.


Why Solden is used to join copper wires in electric circuit?

Solder is a low melt metal that is conductive of electricity, ideal for forming joints in copper wires, and other electrical devices, etc.


What is the most ductile metal which is not used to make electrical wires?

Lead could fall into that category.


What metal is usually used for wires in electric circuit?

Copper. Because 1, it is A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, AND 2, IT IS A MALLEABLE (BENDS EASILY) METAL.


What are coppers usses?

Copper is used in wires and water pipes. The properties that make copper suitable for electric wires are:-1. Ductile2. high melting points3. good conductor.The copper used in electric wires has to be purified up to 99.99%, because impurities decreases its rate of conductivity.


Why are aluminium and copper used for making electric wires?

Copper and aluminum are good conductors. Other conductors like silver aren't used to make electric wires because copper and aluminum are cheaper but have the same properties.


What is a wire used for in electric?

Wires are used as electricity conductors.


What is copper metal used for?

Pipes, wires.